Deities, Shamans, and Satyrs: The Diverse Ontological Foundations of Composite Figure Imagery
Publication information:
Abstract
Composite figures, specifically those which combine bodily attributes of both humans and non-human animals, are present in art and religious traditions from around the world and throughout history. This singular term fails to acknowledge the ontological differences that exist. Deities such as the Hindu god Ganesh and beings such as satyrs belong in separate categories, as do shamans who entwine with spirits. This paper presents four categories of ontological classification. Using this classification allows scholars to more precisely understand, interpret, and discuss the significance and meaning of these figures in terms of the cultures from which they originate.
Presenter Biography
Tracy Rubin’s focus while working on her Master of Theological Studies degree at Harvard Divinity School, from which she graduated in 2012, was the intersection of art and religion. She has worked in the Education Department at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA) as a gallery instructor, leading tours for school groups and adults since 1986. Ms. Rubin has also given gallery talks and lectures at the MFA, The Harvard Art Museums, the 2015 National Docent Symposium, and the 2018 American Academy of Religion Regional Conference. Topics of discussion included Western, Eastern, and indigenous traditions, often focusing on composite figures. She contributed to the MFA exhibition and catalogue The Art That is Life: The Arts & Crafts Movement in America, 1875-1920. For the past twelve years she has led adult Bible study for practitioners of all faiths.